Miami police chief to settle ethics case

Miami Police Chief John Timoney has reached a tentative settlement with
the Florida Commission on Ethics, an agreement calling for the chief to
pay a $500 fine and admit wrongdoing in connection with his 14-month
extended ''test drive'' of a Lexus hybrid SUV.

The
chief enjoyed free use of that vehicle -- with no insurance payments
either -- courtesy of the Lexus of Kendall dealership. But Timoney
never declared the SUV as a gift in required government-disclosure
forms.

The proposed settlement says Timoney ''recognizes'' that he violated state disclosure laws.

Timoney's
office declined comment Wednesday, saying the settlement has not yet
received final approval -- which could come when the state ethics panel
meets June 6.